Method and apparatus for performing stretching and strengthening exercises

ABSTRACT

The invention provides a strap apparatus for stretching and strengthening muscles and connective tissue, and includes a segment of strap material having a first end, a medial portion, and a second end, having a loop formed in the first end, length adjustment means formed in the medial portion, and a connector element attached to the second end. The connector element is adapted for releasable connection to an anchor article, e.g., an extremity cuff member or a clothing article, bearing a receiver adapted for releasable attachment to the connector element.

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a continuation-in-part and claims the benefit under 35 U.S.C. Section 120 of copending U.S. patent application Ser. No. 10/487,792, filed 23 Feb. 2004.

STATEMENT REGARDING FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH OR DEVELOPMENT

Not applicable.

REFERENCE TO A MICROFICHE APPENDIX

Not applicable.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present invention relates generally to exercise equipment and sports apparatus, and more specifically to an improved method and apparatus for performing stretching and strengthening exercises for the human body.

BACKGROUND INFORMATION AND DISCUSSION OF RELATED ART

It is widely recognized and generally accepted that proper stretching and strengthening of the muscles is an important aspect to overall fitness and health. However, most known stretching regimens simply provide independent exercises or movements that the individual must perform. Some forms of structural apparatus and exercise accessories have been designed for use in stretching, e.g., to provide a stationary surface or bar against which a user may stretch, but these structures can be large and unwieldy, and therefore of limited utility. Furthermore, no known apparatus enables the combined benefits of stretching and strengthening in a simple, versatile form.

Assisted stretching is an important subcategory to stretching. Assisted stretching technique has been around for hundreds of years. Thai massage is a form of massage that involves a lot of the stretching of limbs by the person providing the stretching. Assisted stretching is a fundamental and universal physical therapy rehabilitation practice. During rehabilitation from injury or surgery, physical therapists perform assisted stretching on patients to help them regain range of motion and to help realign muscle fibers. Prior to the present invention, simple aids have been used by patients to assist themselves with stretching with limited results. These aids have included towels ropes, resistance bands and simple straps. These aids are limited in their utility relative to the present invention for a number of reasons.

First, they have to effect the stretch with hand and finger strength—which some people especially those who have been injured or arthritic do not have, or find uncomfortable. The present invention has a loop that can be slipped around the side of the hand or wrist providing greater upper body leverage to stretch legs.

Next, they are not adjustable. The present invention is precisely adjustable within millimeters to allow optimal length for one part of the body to be stretching the other part of the body. This provides for the best biomechanics, best positioning, and proper alignment for an assisted stretch to be performed by an individual on themselves. This is important in allowing the user to correctly replicate proven assisted stretching technique according to the principles of safe stretching. In simple layman terms, this means that the user can be most comfortable in stretching.

Next, towels and straps are rigid and do not have give. The present invention has “give” at the end of range of motion and thereby provides a margin of safety. On the other hand, resistance bands alone have too much give or too much elasticity and lack of control when they are of a length that allows one part of the body to stretch the other part of the body. An adjustable strap with resistance at one end uniquely provides the right amount of control and give.

Finally, the resistance means of the present invention, unlike other straps, also allows good leverage and very controlled and comfortable pushing back against resistance for strengthening and warm up. Muscles should be warmed up before stretching and doing strengthening in close proximity to stretching is very efficient and effective especially because tight muscles are often weak muscles.

Some products have been developed in an attempt to address the limitations of simple straps. For example, the StretchRite™ Stretching Strap consists of a strap with a series of color coded plastic grips that allow progressive improvement. This product purports to provide a means to stretch in stages and check progress, by adjusting the length of the strap to accommodate the user's body's length and flexibility, and increase tension by changing the handgrip. This product differs from the present invention in that it does not include releasable means for resistance, a means to attach to the body, and its adjustment is accomplished in a manner that relies on hand and finger strength.

Another example is the Stretch Out Strap™ product which consists of strap with a series of loops in an attempt to accommodate people of all sizes and deliver the benefit of PNF (an assisted stretching technique used commonly by physical therapists and athletic trainers) without a partner or trainer. The multiple loops purport to allow deep-gradual stretching of major muscle groups. This product differs from the present invention in the same manner as discussed above.

U.S. Pat. No. 5,813,955 to Gutkowski, et al. discloses an aerobic exercise device including a belt assembly to be worn around the torso of the user having first and second layers formed of nylon or polypropylene. The belt assembly further includes a plurality of attachment rings connected to the belt assembly and hook and loop fastening strips for removably attaching the belt assembly to the torso of the user. The device further includes a pair of hand assemblies each including finger holes for receiving the fingers of the user, a hand strap for removably attaching each hand assembly to a hand of the user, and an elastic hand resistance member having attachment clips thereon for detachably connecting the hand assembly to one of the attachment rings on the belt assembly. In addition, there are a pair of anklet assemblies each including an ankle wrap for removably attaching each anklet assembly to an ankle of the user, a foot strap for removably attaching each anklet assembly to a foot of the user, a heel strap for extending around the bottom of heel of the user and an elastic foot resistance member having attachment clips thereon for detachably connecting the anklet assembly to one of the attachment clips on the belt assembly.

U.S. Pat. No. 5,855,539 to Wise describes a kinesiology testing apparatus which includes a base. A foot treadle is provided having a first end and a second end. The first end is pivotally attached to the base. A line is provided having a first end and a second end. The second end is secured adjacent to the second end of the foot treadle. Means is provided for securing the first end of the line to a person's arm. When a person has his arm extended out parallel to a floor, a downward force exerted by a foot of the person upon the foot treadle transmits, via the line, a downward force upon the person's arm.

U.S. Pat. No. 6,036,626 to Taylor teaches an adjustable resistance exercise device in the form of a continuous loop foot strap which is connected to a bungee cord by an O-ring. An opposite end of the bungee cord is looped through a flexible handle and back through a clamping device. A push button actuator permits the size of the handle loop to be adjusted to adjust the overall length of the device to a) enable a different user to adjust the device for her/his needs, b) alter the configuration for use in a different exercise, or c) increase the resistance force afforded by the device as repetition of the various exercises results in strengthening of various muscle groups. Illustrative exercises are discussed.

U.S. Pat. No. 6,368,258 to Emlaw discloses an exercising device which includes a short strap having an interior surface and an exterior surface with a first end and a second end and an intermediate extent. A first pile-type fastener is provided on the interior surface and a second pile-type fastener on the interior surface. A large buckle has parallel end plates with parallel first and second end cross pieces and a central cross piece. The first end cross piece receives the first end. A long strap has a first end constituting a handle. An intermediate extent of the long strap is coupled to the exterior surface of the short strap.

The foregoing patents and product descriptions reflect the current state of the art of which the present inventor is aware. Reference to, and discussion of, these patents and products is intended to aid in discharging Applicant's acknowledged duty of candor in disclosing information that may be relevant to the examination of claims to the present invention. However, it is respectfully submitted that none of the above-indicated patents and products disclose, teach, suggest, show, or otherwise render obvious, either singly or when considered in combination, the invention described and claimed herein.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The method and apparatus for performing stretching and strengthening exercises of this invention provides a strap apparatus for stretching and strengthening muscles and connective tissue. The inventive apparatus includes a segment of strap material having a first end, a medial portion, and a second end, having a loop formed in the first end, length adjustment means formed in the medial portion, and a connector element attached to the second end. The connector element is adapted for releasable connection to an anchor article, e.g., an extremity cuff member or a clothing article, bearing a receiver adapted for releasable attachment to the connector element. The connector element is also adaptable for releasable attachment to a variety of resistance means such as resistance bands, springs, etc.

Variations include, but are not limited to, the following: the strap material may be non-stretching (non-elastic); the length adjustment means may consist of an adjustable buckle or strap retractor member; the connector element may consist of a swivel, carabineer, clip, snap, hook, or other releasable fastener; the clothing article may consist of a shoe or glove to which an appropriate receiver has been affixed; the extremity cuff member may consist of a padded loop, and may be adjustable in diameter; the receiver may consist of an eyelet, a D-ring, an O-ring, or a fabric loop; the connector element may include means for imparting resistance such as a resistance band; and the segment of strap material may bear length indicia.

Applications for the inventive apparatus include use in gyms, health clubs, physical therapist offices, orthopedic offices, sports medicine centers, homes, professional sports teams, hospitals, schools, senior citizen homes, massage and bodywork centers, chiropractors offices, recreation centers, handicap centers, dance centers, and yoga centers.

The apparatus can be used to stretch and strengthen every major muscle group of the body. The commercial version of the apparatus may include explanatory materials such as charts, names and diagrams for specific stretch positions, either on the packaging for the apparatus or in a written manual and/or videotape demo.

It is therefore an object of the present invention to provide a new and improved stretching apparatus.

It is another object of the present invention to provide a new and improved apparatus that combines assisted stretching with strengthening.

A further object or feature of the present invention is a new and improved apparatus that can be used to stretch and strengthen every major muscle group of the body.

An even further object of the present invention is to provide a novel method for stretching and strengthening the body's muscles and connective tissue.

Other novel features which are characteristic of the invention, as to organization and method of operation, together with further objects and advantages thereof will be better understood from the following description considered in connection with the accompanying drawings, in which preferred embodiments of the invention are illustrated by way of example. It is to be expressly understood, however, that the drawings are for illustration and description only and are not intended as a definition of the limits of the invention. The various features of novelty which characterize the invention are pointed out with particularity in the claims annexed to and forming part of this disclosure. The invention resides not in any one of these features taken alone, but rather in the particular combination of all of its structures for the functions specified.

Here the more important features of the invention have been broadly outlined in order that the detailed description thereof that follows may be better understood, and in order that the present contribution to the art may be better appreciated. There are, of course, additional features of the invention that will be described hereinafter and which will form additional subject matter of the claims appended hereto. Those skilled in the art will appreciate that the conception upon which this disclosure is based readily may be utilized as a basis for the designing of other structures, methods and systems for carrying out the several purposes of the present invention. It is important, therefore, that the claims be regarded as including such equivalent constructions insofar as they do not depart from the spirit and scope of the present invention.

Further, the purpose of the Abstract is to enable the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office and the public generally, and especially the scientists, engineers and practitioners in the art who are not familiar with patent or legal terms or phraseology, to determine quickly from a cursory inspection the nature and essence of the technical disclosure of the application. The Abstract is neither intended to define the invention of this application, which is measured by the claims, nor is it intended to be limiting as to the scope of the invention in any way.

Certain terminology and derivations thereof may be used in the following description for convenience in reference only, and will not be limiting. For example, words such as “upward,” “downward,” “left,” and “right” would refer to directions in the drawings to which reference is made unless otherwise stated. Similarly, words such as “inward” and “outward” would refer to directions toward and away from, respectively, the geometric center of a device or area and designated parts thereof. References in the singular tense include the plural, and vice versa, unless otherwise noted.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The invention will be better understood and objects other than those set forth above will become apparent when consideration is given to the following detailed description thereof. Such description makes reference to the annexed drawings wherein:

FIG. 1 is a top plan view of an apparatus for performing stretching and strengthening exercises of this invention;

FIG. 2A is a top plan view of the inventive apparatus as affixed to a user's shoe by a cuff or strap member; and

FIG. 2B is a top plan view of the inventive apparatus as affixed to a user's shoe by a ring element integral to the shoe.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

Referring to FIGS. 1 through 2B, wherein like reference numerals refer to like components in the various views, there is illustrated therein a new and improved apparatus for performing stretching and strengthening exercises, generally denominated 10 herein.

FIG. 1 is a top plan view of a first preferred embodiment of an apparatus for performing stretching and strengthening exercises of this invention. The inventive apparatus 10 includes a segment of strap material 12 having a first end 14, a medial portion 16, and a second end 18, having a loop 20 formed in the first end 14, length adjustment means 22 formed in the medial portion 16, and a connector element 24 attached to the second end 18. The connector element 24 is adapted for releasable connection to an anchor article, e.g., an extremity cuff member 26, and/or resistance means bearing a receiver 28 adapted for releasable attachment to the connector element 24. Here, the connector element includes a resistance band 30.

FIG. 2A is a top plan view of the inventive apparatus as affixed to a user's shoe 40 by a cuff or strap member 42 (bearing hook and loop material. The shoe can also have hook and loop material on it, which may help maintain position and security of the strap.

FIG. 2B is a top plan view of the inventive apparatus as affixed to a user's modified shoe 50 by a ring element 52 integral to the shoe. Such a ring or means of attachment can be also temporarily secured by being held at the base of the shoelaces or other means.

The present invention thus provides an innovative design and versatile system for stretching and strengthening exercises for the human body. The apparatus itself preferably includes:

-   -   a means of attachment to the body (e.g., a cuff or clothing         article with the appropriate receiver);     -   a means to provide some degree of resistance (e.g., tubing,         resistance bands, spring, or elastic or other strap) for         strengthening and warmup (via pushing against resistance). This         resistance feature also provides some “give” during stretching         exercises, thereby making those exercises safer (the “give”         helps prevent over-stretching, especially important for people         who have not been stretching). For many of the strengthening         exercises the shorter the strap is adjusted, the greater the         resistance. Resistance in a resistance band becomes greater the         further it is pulled to lengthen. Conversely, the longer the         strap the less the resistance; and     -   a means for length adjustment (e.g., a strap) which preferably         includes:         -   a loop or handle to manually hold on to, or to close in a             door frame, or to attach around a fixed object. Attachment             can be accomplished, for example, by taking the other end             (e.g., the cuff) around a fixed object and then threading it             through the loop. Being connected to an adjustable strap             makes it possible to adjust the length of the strap and             thereby the amount of resistance or stretch. This loop or             handle can be fixed to the means for adjustment (e.g.,             strap), or it can be removable and can be adjustable in             size; or     -   a means to attach to a fixed frame with means such as a pulley         and a cam cleat (or other means to secure) which allows the user         to adjust the amount of stretch or resistance.

All of the above components can be attached to each other by various connections and can be in different forms. For example:

The means of attachment to the body can be a padded cuff, a strap or loop secured in different ways, a glove, a shoe, or a strap around a shoe or glove. The attachment can be made with a ring or other feature, made of metal, nylon, or other material.

The resistance material can be, among other things, resistance tubing, elastic bands, or a spring, and can be of various lengths and/or thickness to yield varying amounts of resistance and appropriateness for various specific exercises.

The adjustable means can be made of a variety of materials and be connected to the resistance material or to the means of attachment to the body in a variety of ways. An important feature of the adjustable means is that it can either be connected to the resistance material, which is then connected to the means of attachment to the body, or it can be connected directly to the means of attachment to the body (i.e., without the resistance material).

As discussed above, there are many products that have been available for strengthening which consist of a resistance band and a handle of some sort. Simple straps used for stretching and yoga have also been on the market. But prior to the present invention there was no product that combined the following in a highly functional system: a releasable and adjustable resistance means, a means to attach to the body, and an adjustable strap means with measurements and a handle. This design allows users to stretch and strengthen muscles with extraordinary ease and efficiency unlike other previously available products.

The adjustable strap, combined with the other features of this invention, makes it possible to very quickly, easily and efficiently change the relationship between the part of the body that is holding the handle or loop and the part of the body that has the attachment means around it. While moving from position to position and exercise to exercise, it is possible to continually adjust the system, finding a comfortable and safe way to execute each exercise with utmost efficiency.

This adjustability provides the distinct advantage of allowing the body to maintain a comfortable, well-aligned, and safe position and avoid becoming contorted in an awkward, off-balance or strained position. Such straining can compromise the muscles, tendons, ligaments, connective tissue, or vertebral disks of the body.

The present invention has an adjustable strap and a releasable means of resistance. Users can use the full-length position of the resistance band in some exercises and then easily double the resistance band (for more resistance) in other exercises. The resistance band length can easily be changed between its connection to the adjustable strap and the adjustable means of attachment to the body.

The releasable resistance band also provides for different thickness levels of resistance bands while working with this invention. It is possible for a user needing rehabilitation to start with very thin, light resistance bands and then gradually progress to higher levels of resistance as they get stronger.

The adjustability of both the strap and of the resistance means facilitates proper biomechanics: the safe and proper relationship between the position of the body and forces on the body. In other words, the principles of mechanical laws such as leverage to living structures are being correctly applied.

It has been common for some time in exercise classes for instructors to direct students working with resistance bands to stand or kneel on the resistance bands at a specific point in order to temporarily achieve certain lengths of resistance band. This has been done to achieve that length for a specific exercise. However, this often results in comprised biomechanics for the exercise.

For example, many students are instructed to kneel on a resistance band at a certain length with one knee while the other end of the resistance band is secured around the other foot. Then the student is instructed to push backward on that other foot to exercise the leg and buttock. This presents poor biomechanics, where the force of resistance is causing the kneeling knee to be pulled inward while the body as a whole is pulled off balance. Physical limitations such as prior knee injury, hip instability, or spinal problems can be aggravated by these poor biomechanics.

Proper biomechanics and more beneficial exercise can be accomplished with the present invention. For the above exercise, the strap can be adjusted so the strap loop can be comfortably held around the hand, wrist or forearm (whichever best for the specific individual). With this specific strap adjustment, the cuff can be positioned around the foot or ankle at the specific position best for that individual. Then while holding the strap loop with good leverage, the leg on the same side of the body can push back against the cuff with resistance and good alignment.

The inventive apparatus uniquely allows users to perform both stretching and strengthening exercises within each position. A user can comfortably and with good leverage pull on the strap in one direction to stretch and then (again with good leverage) push back against resistance in the opposite direction to strengthen.

Elastic resistance bands have had means to adjust their length. However, in order to hold the resistance means in place, it is necessary to clamp down in some way on the resistance band at each respective length. This process of clamping down, releasing and clamping down again is considerably slower and more laborious than the quick and easy adjustment possible with the inventive strap. The present invention addresses the need to make several fine adjustments to get just the right length for proper biomechanics and comfort in an exercise.

The efficiency of the present invention allows users to make adjustments with ease and gives them the ability to achieve multiple objectives of stretching and strengthening in a short amount of time. One of the key factors of successful rehabilitation is whether or not the user will do the exercises (patient compliance.) Efficiency or the time required to do the exercises is an essential element of compliance. Thus the efficiency the present invention provides in doing correct exercises is of significant distinct value.

There have been strap products available on the market for decades, which are used for stretching, especially in yoga. The non-elastic strap material provides stability for users to pull and hold themselves in stretches. However, pulling on this non-elastic material has resulted in many overstretching injuries. The likelihood of overstretching in yoga is increased by an emphasis on flexibility and on getting the body into yoga postures. It is recognized today that for safe yoga flexibility should be balanced with an equal emphasis on strength.

The present invention has an adjustable rigid strap that provides stability followed by a resistance means that provides “give” when at the extremes of a pull. This combination allows for a greater degree of control between the elements of stability and give. The intensity of the stretch and/or resistance is more effectively modulated by the user as compared to other equipment, resulting in gentle, effective elongation and toning of the muscles.

Together these elements avoid overstretching, allow pushing back against resistance for warming up the muscles properly (muscles should be warmed up before they are stretched), and provide for essential balance of strength around joints where stretching occurs.

Prior art of resistance band systems are more prone to breakage than the present invention. Because the resistance bands are often stepped on to provide a certain length for a specific exercise and a specific muscle group, the resistance bands (especially the thinner, lighter resistance bands) will quickly wear out or break. One product attempts to address this breakage problem by placing a fabric sleeve around the simple resistance band at the points where it might be stepped on. The present invention uniquely avoids placing such pressure on the resistance band at all thanks to the adjustable strap which provides specific length for specific exercises in a less problematic and more elegant manner.

Resistance bands also have a limited range within which they can be safely stretched while pulling or pushing on in doing exercises. It is usually recommended that the bands be only stretched three times their length because frequently they will break if they are stretched further. However certain exercises and muscles groups require short bands to be effective while other exercises require longer bands. For this reason, there are many different resistance band products of prior art (that cannot be quickly and easily adjusted) that were made for the different exercises. A user must purchase resistance bands of multiple lengths and levels of resistance to perform a complete exercise routine.

Adjusting the length of resistance bands only to modulate the effort required to perform an exercise has limitations. Shorter resistance bands deliver greater resistance with less distance pushed. This is simply because the further the resistance band gets stretched, the more it becomes taut and progressively the more effort is required to lengthen it further. However, many exercises require moving a limb through some distance to be beneficial.

With the adjustable strap of the present invention combined with resistance, a user can move from exercise to exercise (position to position) or through a series of movements that require different lengths while maintaining much the same resistance. The user can also increase resistance for a specific exercise and position by shortening the strap (thereby lessening the distance for tautness to be encountered), or decrease resistance by lengthening it. In summary, the present invention can quickly and easily be adjusted to different lengths and levels of resistance for a multitude of exercise without having to change the product and without undue wear to the product.

The releasable resistance facilitates a variety of assisted stretching techniques. Many such techniques are complemented by following the assisted stretching with pushing against resistance for strengthening. On the other hand, one widely used form of assisted stretching, Proprioreceptive Neuromuscular Facilitation (PNF), involves pushing against something rigid in an isometric manner following a stretch. The present invention allows for the removal of the resistance means when PNF is desired and adding the resistance back for most other forms of exercise.

The inventive apparatus uniquely provides a means of measurement because the adjustable strap is also a measuring tape (like a flexible ruler). These measurements provide a reference point when doing exercises so that therapists and trainers can recommend that users perform the exercises at certain measurements or adjustments. It also allows users to track their progress and flexibility.

Many exercises are done with two limbs at a time. Examples include arm bicep curls or leg presses. It is important that these exercises be done in a balanced manner in which the body is being exercised in symmetry. The measurements on the adjustable strap facilitate this when two of the inventive devices are used at once.

The measurement system is also valuable when the invention is attached by the strap to a fixed object. This can be done by taking the means of attachment to the body end of the invention around a fixed object and then through the loop of the adjustable strap. This is one of the ways this invention can be used for Pilates exercises. A user can move through a variety of Pilates exercises while quickly adjusting the straps and making sure they are of equal length.

Because the inventive apparatus is so versatile, it has clear advantages for use in clinics, group exercise classes and athletic training facilities. In a variety of settings, this single device, adaptable to varied body types, levels of fitness, and specific exercise techniques can be used in place of a range of other equipment.

Accordingly, applicant's invention can be characterized as a strap apparatus for stretching and strengthening muscles and connective tissue, comprising a segment of non-elastic strap material, the segment having a first end, a medial portion, and a second end, having a loop formed in the first end, length adjustment means formed in the medial portion, and a connector element attached to the second end, where the connector element included releasable means for resistance exercise; and an anchor article bearing a receiver, the receiver adapted for releasable attachment to the connector element. Thus, the adjustable segment of non-elastic strap material can either be connected to the resistance material, which is then connected to the means of attachment to the body, or it can be connected directly to the means of attachment to the body (i.e., without the resistance material). This resistance feature provides some “give” during stretching exercises, thereby making those exercises safer (the “give” helps prevent over-stretching, especially important for people who have not been stretching). The resistance material can be, among other things, resistance tubing, elastic bands, or a spring, and can be of various lengths and/or thickness to yield varying amounts of resistance.

Alternatively, the invention may be characterized as a method for stretching and strengthening muscles and connective tissue comprising the steps of providing a segment of non-elastic strap material, the segment having a first end, a medial portion, and a second end, having a loop formed in the first end, length adjustment means formed in the medial portion, and a connector element attached to the second end, the connector element including releasable means for resistance exercise; providing an anchor article bearing a receiver; and attaching the receiver to the connector element, wherein a user may grasp the loop in the first end and the anchor article to perform exercise.

This inventive adjustable strap and resistance band enable one to stretch safely, by both supporting with give and applying resistance to the extremity as desired. The support of the static strap provides more control. The give at the end of the range of motion avoids overstretching. The resistance aids in warm up, which is always recommended for stretching. The intensity of the stretch and/or resistance is more effectively modulated by the user, rather than by someone else or a machine, resulting in gentle, effective elongation and toning of the muscles. Unlike other stretching techniques, the stretch can be easily applied over full range of motion, rather than just in one or two dimensions. The efficiency of each exercise is maximized because the upper and lower body are involved in each movement, and the abdominal core is concurrently engaged, toned and stabilized with each movement. Stretching can occur in one direction of movement and strengthening can occur in the return movement. For recovery after exercise and relaxed stretching, the adjustable strap allows the user to hold in a comfortable position with good leverage, alignment and optimal biomechanics.

The above disclosure is sufficient to enable one of ordinary skill in the art to practice the invention, and provides the best mode of practicing the invention presently contemplated by the inventor. While there is provided herein a full and complete disclosure of the preferred embodiments of this invention, it is not desired to limit the invention to the exact construction, dimensional relationships, and operation shown and described. Various modifications, alternative constructions, changes and equivalents will readily occur to those skilled in the art and may be employed, as suitable, without departing from the true spirit and scope of the invention. Such changes might involve alternative materials, components, structural arrangements, sizes, shapes, forms, functions, operational features or the like.

Therefore, the above description and illustrations should not be construed as limiting the scope of the invention, which is defined by the appended claims. 

1. A strap apparatus for stretching and strengthening muscles and connective tissue, said strap apparatus comprising: a segment of non-elastic strap material, said segment having a first end, a medial portion, and a second end, having a loop formed in said first end, length adjustment means formed in said medial portion, and a connector element attached to said second end, said connector element including releasable means for resistance exercise; and an anchor article bearing a receiver, said receiver adapted for releasable attachment to said connector element.
 2. The strap apparatus of claim 1 wherein said length adjustment means comprises an adjustable buckle.
 3. The strap apparatus of claim 1 wherein said length adjustment means comprises a strap retractor member.
 4. The strap apparatus of claim 1 wherein said connector element comprises a swivel.
 5. The strap apparatus of claim 1 wherein said connector element comprises a carabineer.
 6. The strap apparatus of claim 1 wherein said connector element comprises a clip.
 7. The strap apparatus of claim 1 wherein said connector element comprises a hook.
 8. The strap apparatus of claim 1 wherein said anchor article comprises a shoe.
 9. The strap apparatus of claim 1 wherein said anchor article comprises a glove.
 10. The strap apparatus of claim 1 wherein said anchor article comprises an extremity cuff member.
 11. The strap apparatus of claim 10 wherein said extremity cuff member comprises a padded loop.
 12. The strap apparatus of claim 10 wherein said extremity cuff member is adjustable in diameter.
 13. The strap apparatus of claim 1 wherein said receiver comprises an eyelet.
 14. The strap apparatus of claim 1 wherein said receiver comprises a D-ring.
 15. The strap apparatus of claim 1 wherein said receiver comprises an O-ring.
 16. The strap apparatus of claim 1 wherein said receiver comprises a fabric loop.
 17. The strap apparatus of claim 1 wherein said means for resistance exercise comprises a resistance band.
 18. The strap apparatus of claim 1 wherein said segment of strap material bears length indicia.
 19. The strap apparatus of claim 1 wherein said means for resistance exercise comprises resistance that can be varied.
 20. A method for stretching and strengthening muscles and connective tissue, said method comprising the steps of: providing a segment of non-elastic strap material, the segment having a first end, a medial portion, and a second end, having a loop formed in the first end, length adjustment means formed in the medial portion, and a connector element attached to the second end, the connector element including releasable means for resistance exercise; providing an anchor article bearing a receiver; and attaching the receiver to the connector element, wherein a user may grasp the loop in the first end and the anchor article to perform exercise. 